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-Editorial
A government survey unveiled a modest improvement in the mental health of U.S. teenagers, though significant issues with sadness and hopelessness remain. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data Summary & Trends Report: 2013-2023, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides the latest data on adolescent health, shedding light on persistent mental health challenges amidst some signs of progress.
The survey indicates that from 2021 to 2023, the percentage of high school students experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness decreased slightly from 42% to 40%. Among female students, this figure fell from 57% to 53%, while serious suicide considerations decreased from 30% to 27%. Despite these reductions, the data highlight ongoing concerns about teen mental health, exacerbated by social media pressures and electronic bullying, particularly affecting girls and LGBTQ+ students.
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), which collects data biennially from a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students, focuses on various aspects of adolescent well-being, including sexual behavior, substance use, violence, mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The 2023 report also addresses emerging issues such as social media use, experiences of racism, and school connectedness, which are crucial for understanding and improving the overall health of young people.
The report underscores both improvements and persistent issues in adolescent health over the past decade. Ten-year trends show progress in areas like sexual risk behaviors and substance use. For instance, there has been a reduction in risky sexual activities and substance use, including alcohol and marijuana. However, nearly all other health indicators have worsened, including protective sexual behaviors, experiences of violence, and mental health issues.
The survey highlights that, despite a general decrease in bullying from 2013 to 2023, incidents of bullying rose again from 2021 to 2023. This resurgence may be linked to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced school attendance and increased social isolation. Similarly, while forced sex and sexual violence rates have been concerning, the stability of these rates between 2021 and 2023 suggests a potential plateau rather than an increase.
The survey reveals stark disparities in mental health experiences among different demographic groups. Female students consistently report worse outcomes compared to their male peers across various measures. In 2023, nearly 20% of female students experienced sexual violence, and over 10% were physically forced into sex. Additionally, around 25% of female students engaged in alcohol use, and nearly 20% used marijuana. More than half of female students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness over the past year, although this percentage has decreased since 2021.
Disparities are also evident among LGBTQ+ students, who experience higher levels of substance use, violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts compared to their heterosexual peers. Over 60% of LGBTQ+ students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, with more than half experiencing poor mental health in the past month. Additionally, 20% of LGBTQ+ students attempted suicide in the past year.
The 2021 and 2023 surveys introduced questions on new and emerging issues affecting adolescents, such as racism in schools, unfair discipline, and unstable housing. Data from 2023 show that nearly one-third of students reported experiencing racism at school, with Asian students more likely to report such experiences. Unfair discipline was reported by almost 20% of students, with higher rates among male and Black students compared to their peers.
Social media usage is prevalent, with over 75% of students using it several times a day. Female students are more frequent users than males, and American Indian or Alaska Native students use social media less compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
The CDC is promoting several strategies to address these issues and improve adolescent health. Schools are crucial in this effort, as they can provide supportive environments and education that mitigate the impact of negative experiences. The CDC’s action guide suggests strategies such as increasing mental health literacy, promoting mindfulness, enhancing connectedness, and supporting staff well-being.
The “What Works in Schools” program aims to improve health education, connect students to necessary services, and create safer and more supportive school environments. Evidence shows that implementing this program leads to improvements in sexual behavior, reduced substance use, and fewer instances of forced sex. Schools that support LGBTQ+ students see better mental health outcomes not only for these students but also for their heterosexual peers.
